Stunning Maldives

Syechelles and Maldives are islands in the Indian Ocean and each has its own charm. I described Seychelles as Heaven on Earth and the same goes to Maldives. But the beauty of Maldives is beyond words especially the numerous atolls. The sea is spectacular decorated by small islands or atolls. Seeing is believing. Spending 4 days in Maldives was too short. However, there is much difference between capital city Male in Maldives and capital city Victoria in Mahe island in Seychelles. Male is congested with thousands of motorbikes whereas Victoria in Mahe is calm with less congestion. Seychelles selecst its visitors, those who have money!! So you don't see backpackers and cheap hostels there. Male is for everybody who loves tranquility and gorgeous ocean. I love Maldives but not Male. I felt comfortable there where halal food is easy to find and and the people are so friendly but most of all I love the spectacular view of the atolls and the Indian ocean.

The senior ladies in a boat ready for island hopping. I am in blue and red.

There were 12 lady senior citizens in this group, all are happy- go- lucky single ladies with not a care in the world. So going away on Aidilfitri week was not a big deal. After all the love ones can take care of themselves. The flight to Male by MAS took 4 hour and 10  minutes and we were transported to our hotel by boat. Boats are the main mode of transportation from one island to another. The clear shimmering sea was so beckoning but we had no time to soak ourselves in the sea - maybe next time when we have more time.The best place is to stay at one of the resort islands.
We did the island hopping visiting the community and at Vilingilli Island we met Aminah who had her master's nursing training at University Hospital. We chatted about Maldives and Malaysia.
I would not advise anyone to go for the Whale Submarine experience especially if you are a diver or have snorkeled in more exciting seas. There was not much to see except some fishes and wilted reefs. At the cost of US$85, it was not worth it.

Male with lagoon and the sea front.

Breathtaking view of an island from the air.

Sea planes are ready to take tourists for aerial view of gorgeous  Maldives .

But you must go for the Seaplane trip. Though expensive at US$100 for 25 minutes, the view was really out of this world.  With 1,190 islands spread out in Indian Ocean there was much to see.
In Male itself, you must not miss visiting the Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque or the Old Friday Mosque. The carving on coral stone is one of the rarest monument in Maldives and suggestion was made to declare it as a World Heritage.
Maldives, Thank you for being GORGEOUS YOU and I pray Allah spares you the destruction by tsunami.
Visit zuraidaharahman.travelerspoint.com for more stories and photos.  

Aidilfitri 2013

With my lovely grandchildren on Raya Day - Rania and Gabe. 080813

With siste Anah daughter, son-in-law and grandchild on Raya Day.

Like the previous years I celebrated my Eid in a small way with my children and my sister and her children. This year we decided not to go back to Malacca to see my brothers and sisters until the Raya frenzy is over when everyone has gone back to work. The traffic jam was horrendous and we took 4-5 hours to reach PJ last year compared to the 2 hours on normal days.
I felt a bit disjointed when Izrin and family were not with me on Raya morning. This year, it's Heidi's turn to celebrate with her big family but they came to join my family in the evening. I missed my dimpled Gabe. Rania as usual has been excited about Hari Raya, even days before Raya. The attraction was playing with sparklers at night before she went to bed. It was fascinating hearing her singing' Selamat Hari Raya' while waving the sparklers in her hand. She speaks Malay like a Malay and speaks English like an Aussie.
Salam Hari Raya was done with much fun and jokes. My children, with husband and wife, made it a memorable day for me. Thank you Izrin and Haidi for the 'duit raya'. Rania and Gabe made my day. Gabe is still in his clinging stage but soon he will be independent like Rania. Rania looks at Gabe with much adoration. My life is blessed and feel contented.
Alhamdulillah, Allah grants me time to celebrate this Raya with my children and their family.
I am leaving for Maldives on 3rd Raya.

My adorable dimply grandson, Gabe, on Raya day. 

As always, Rania is so manja with Nenek - on Raya morning. 080813

Rania is taking her parents flying on Raya day

Rania with second cousin, Syeena, on Raya day. 

Rania salam Raya with Daddy. 080813 

Having fun playing sparklers with Mak Yang on Raya night. 070813

Rania and her sparklers on Raya night. 070813

Izrin and wife, Haidi clowning around after the Salam Raya. 080813

My small immediate family with Justin taking the photo. 080813

Justin, Rania and Ika. 080813

Izrin salam Raya with Maz and big sister, Ika looking on. 080813

Izrin, Haidi and Gabe in the garden. 080813

Justin Salam Raya with his mother-in-law on Raya morning. 080813

Maz Salam Raya with me..

Ika and Maz having fun on Salam Raya.

Izrin Salam Raya with big brother-in-law, Justin.

Ika Salam Raya with mummy. 080813

Rania with doting auntie, Mak Yang. 080813

Lovely picture. Rania manja dengan mummy dia. 080813

Gabe expecting his duit raya from his daddy. 080813

Gorgeous Gabe and his dimples. 080813